I love avocados, sometimes (read: daily) stand on my head to get my creative juices flowing, and I could listen to The Beatles sing, “I’ve Just Seen A Face” everyday, for the rest of forever.

Wondering what goes on here? Yup, so are the rest of us.

1. I am a lifestyle photographer. I have the most remarkable clients in the world, and I share their images here to inspire us all to live life with greater love, meaning and joy.

2. I am a writer. This blog is full of many of the curious thinks I have thunk.

3. I am a speaker and life/business consultant. I post upcoming speaking engagements and consulting information here as well.

4. I am most fulfilled by my work as a wife and mother to my 4 sons, one of whom now lives in Heaven. I share bits and pieces of our journey here on this blog. Including our ongoing struggle with grief, our experiences with ADHD and SPD, and our solid faith in a God much bigger than the challenges we face.

But ultimately, I hope that this blog is about something much bigger than all of that.My dream is for this blog to be a place where real life comes to be celebrated and enthusiastically embraced. Not just the pretty stuff, with tailored hems, clean lines,and the new colors for spring . . . but everything else, too. The frazzled mornings, broken hearts, crazy dreams, messy kitchens. . . even the fear, failure, hopelessness and devastation. I want this blog to be a place for every bit of what makes us all living, breathing, feeling human beings, experiencing together this remarkable thing called life.

May this be a place of passion, purpose, laughter, tears, friendship, encouragement and inspiration for us all.

In 2010, our perfect *”Baby Gavin” returned to Heaven after losing a courageous battle with **Pertussis (whooping cough). We are eternally and profoundly grateful to the thousands upon thousands (upon thousands) of friends and strangers from all over the world, of all faiths and creeds, who united with our family in prayer during Baby Gavin’s horrific illness and who grieved with us and continued to petition God in our behalf during the dark days following his tragic death. You may read Gavin’s story as it unfolded by visiting my old blog here. I am committed to sharing my ongoing struggles with grief and our journey toward joy here on the new blog. I am always humbled and amazed by the continued outpouring of love and support. Thank you for sharing in our journey and inspiring us with your unceasing love! God is good!

*My brother Gavin passed away unexpectedly in 2007. With all these Angel Gavins, it can get a little confusing at times, so just know that when I refer to “Gavin” I’m referring to my wonderful brother. When I refer to “Baby Gavin,” it is in reference to my perfect son, both of whom I cannot wait to see in Heaven!

**You will periodically see me blog about The Sounds of Pertussis campaign. I am an unpaid spokesperson and am only compensated travel expenses where applicable for my involvement with this important cause. Join our fight against this deadly communicable disease at www.soundsofpertussis.com or like us on facebook at www.facebook.com/soundsofpertussis.

I feel like every inquiry of late has been for birth or maternity photography. I’ve been living in the magical world of all things baby, and boy oh boy does it do my soul gooooood.

This is Jenna. She and her sweet husband, Brian, are expecting their first, a baby boy, in May. I get to photograph the birth as well—my first home birth (Jenna’s too, high five sister;))! Now, everyone cross all your fingers and toes, say a little prayer, and wear your lucky socks, because Brian is currently deployed. We’re holding out every bit of hope that he makes it back in time to hold his beautiful wife’s hand as they welcome their son into the world. Enjoy part I of Jenna’s maternity session. More coming soon.

PS. Can you believe this nursery? I died. It’s even better in person (times 10). Jenna and her DARLING mom worked this magic all by themselves!

Liz:
That first shot? Are you kidding me?? Awesome!! Can't wait to see how you capture the birth! April 27, 2012 2:20 pm

Bridget:
I've done two home births and they are hands down 1000 times better than a hospital birth. Will she do a water birth? I can't wait to see the photos...but no crotch shots... Or boobs. Those always seem so, "hey everybody look at me all naked" and distract from the beauty of the moment. But you knew that. April 27, 2012 2:43 pm

Bri:
How WONDERFUL! If I were a photographer, birth would be what I would focus on. I'm a bit obsessed! My due date is a few weeks away, and we too are planning a homebirth! I keep debating whether or not to pay a professional photographer. I have a really good camera and have a friend who is decent taking pictures on call to come, but it might be worth it to find a pro. Do you have any recommendations for someone here in Albuquerque New Mexico? Can't wait to see the pics! And to the comment above, take the crotch shots and boob shots for mom, you don't have to post em. My favorite pics are the ones of baby coming out in the water. LOVE. Here is a birth video of still shots that are so beautiful! The picture sequence of baby coming out of the water then onto mama make me CRY! http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=9AGFKB3t0X4 April 27, 2012 3:26 pm

Candice:
Jenna is my niece and we can't wait for this baby. Really lovely photographs! April 27, 2012 3:45 pm

Ashleigh:
Nat, how can I contact Jenna? My husband was deployed for our first son's birth and I just want to send a little love note and aloha her way. Xx April 27, 2012 4:09 pm

Crystal:
I am photographing a birth for the first time coming up in June! I'd love to hear some behind the scenes tips from you! "What to Expect When Expecting to Photograph a Birth". :D April 28, 2012 5:15 am

Katie Stilwater:
Wow! These shots are amazing! And she is a total babe! April 29, 2012 11:15 am